SOUTH Shropshire's MP is urging pensioners in his constituency to check if they are eligible for pension credit.

Pension credit unlocks support of up to £3,300 for vulnerable elderly residents.

Stuart Anderson MP's plea to local pensioners follows the new Government's announcement on July 30 that only those entitled to pension credit or another qualifying means-tested benefit will be entitled to winter fuel payments. The announcement was made on July 30. 

Stuart Anderson MP said: “The new Government’s announcement that it will withdraw winter fuel payments from those not in receipt of benefits like pension credit is incredibly disappointing. 24,000 people in our area benefit from the payment, which helps with the cost of energy bills during the colder months. The new Government is risking the physical and financial health of those who are just below the threshold to be eligible for pension credit and those with high energy needs. So I am calling on the Government to urgently raise awareness of pension credit and to review how it can better support pensioners in the longer-term.”